Reader's Ink discussion

What do you make of Esther?

She was I think my favorite character in the book or close. Everyone was her friend, she literally saved their families life when Jack had his accident. I loved it when they would come by and bring treasures from her garden and kitchen. I was so wishing I had her as my friend.

I think Esther is fundamentally likable. She's TOUGH, brash, and slightly obnoxious, but she's also tender when she needs to be, not to mention decent and kind. She also gave us an outsider view of Mabel, who's so introverted and introspective. I kind of saw Mabel through Esther's eyes at times---was this city girl just getting cabin fever?